Window 18 :: The Apostles - St. Matthias, St. Thomas, & St. Simon
Windows 17- 20 are the Windows of the Church. These windows show the shields of the Apostles. Each shield represents an event or verse for which that Apostle is famous. Often with these shields is also a symbol of that Apostle’s martyrdom. As a note, Paul is not here because the Twelve Apostles are a specific group that Paul, who is undoubtedly an apostle, is not a part of.
Taken as a group, these windows usher us into the Age of the Church. Here at the end of the sanctuary are the acts of those who came before us and, with the Holy Spirit, established God’s Church on Earth. Looking farther than this takes us to the back wall of the sanctuary, where the work of the Apostles continues to this day.
Panel 1, 2 - St. Matthias’ Shield Containing a Book and Halberd
The Shield of St. Matthias displays a book and a halberd. The halberd is in reference to legendary accounts of St. Matthias’s martyrdom where he was killed by the large weapon.
Panel 4, 5 - St. Thomas’ Shield and Three Arrows
St. Thomas’ shield is a carpenter square, which symbolizes his work building the church in India. Traditionally, Thomas was killed by arrows and that is why they appear here.
Panel 9 - St. Simon’s Shield
St. Simon’s shield displays a fish on a book. This refers to St. Simon’s success in fishing for men.